Weekly Wrap: Legislators Seek Federal Licensing for Gun Owners
Legislators look into a federal licensing requirement for gun owners, gun sales shot up 20% in October, and FN breaks ground on second facility.
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Welcome to a weekly series here on Pew Pew Tactical dedicated to the gun news you need to know.
So, keep reading for this week’s notable news headlines…
Table of Contents
Legislators Seek Federal Licensing for Gun Owners
Lawmakers in Washington, D.C., introduced a new bill last week that would require gun owners to receive a license issued by the Department of Justice prior to buying or receiving a firearm.
If passed, the bill, known as the Federal Firearm Licensing Act, would require Americans to be vetted and then issued a license that would need to be renewed every five years to buy or receive a gun.
The bill goes further, adding that to get the license, citizens would need to undergo refresher training (that includes a written test and hands-on training) and an extensive background check.
Beyond that, the 11-page bill says gun owners would also need to submit fingerprints and report the make, model, and serial number of transferred guns to the Department of Justice.
The proposal entered the Senate as S.3212 and the House as H.R.6154 and was introduced by U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and U.S. Rep. Andy Kim (D-NJ 03).
Booker likened gun licensing to driver’s license requirements.
"If you need a license to drive a car, you should need a license to own and use a gun," Booker explained.
“Data shows that states that have implemented licensing laws have significantly reduced gun-related deaths. This legislation would mirror this common-sense idea at the federal level and enhance public safety by ensuring that individuals seeking to purchase firearms pass a standard background check and are properly trained before obtaining a required license.”
Both bills have been sent to judiciary committees for further discussion.
Gun Sales Up 20% in October
Gun sales shot up last month, with the industry seeing a 20% increase in purchases.
The National Instant Criminal Background Check System, which tracks federal background checks, reported an uptick in October checks.
After the National Shooting Sports Foundation removed gun permit checks and rechecks, the NSSF reported 1.3 million checks, a 20% increase from September.
Compared to October 2022, 2023 still proved to be a profitable month with an 8.3% increase in sales.
NSSF’s Managing Director of Public Affairs, Mark Oliva, said the jump demonstrates American’s commitment to the Second Amendment. He also pointed to escalations in the Middle East, as well as a recent shooting in Maine, as a reason why more Americans are handing out cash for guns.
“This is telling, given the stark reminders of the importance of the Second Amendment protecting the right for law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms and protect themselves and their loved ones,” Oliva said.
“The horrific attacks on Israel followed by the escalating hate speech toward Jewish Americans, coupled with the tragic murders in Maine, are reminders that every American has the right to legally purchase a firearm to provide for their own defense.”
The NSSF noted that the figures do not include private sales in states where carry permits can be used as an alternative to NICS checks. There are currently over 20 states that accept CCW permits as exemptions to NICS.
Last month represented the 51st month in a row that checks have exceeded the 1 million mark.
FN to Open New Facility in S.C.
Gun maker FN announced an expansion of its operations, breaking ground on a new facility that will ultimately bring over 170 jobs to South Carolina’s Pickens County.
The company’s second facility, a $33 million investment, will be 100,000 square feet and will help FN better meet the demands of civilian, law enforcement, and military customers.
According to federal data, FN produced over 160,000 guns in 2021. Aside from an extensive consumer lineup, it also notably partners with law enforcement agencies for the 509 and the military with the SCAR.
"This was a historic day for FN," Mark Cherpes, President and CEO for FN America, said in a statement about the Liberty, South Carolina facility.
"More than 40 years ago, FN opened operations in Columbia to fulfill a government contract for the U.S. Army. Since that day, FN’s business has grown tremendously, and we have forged unbreakable bonds within the state of South Carolina."
FN’s first South Carolina facility was built in 1979.